safeguarding policy

Safeguarding Children Policy - Thanet Community Churches (TCC)

Thanet Community Churches

The Corner

60 Whitehall Road, Ramsgate CT12 6DF

Agreed: November 2023

Review date: November 2024

KEY CONTACT DETAILS

Craig Prentice (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Hannah Barrs (Deputy Safeguarding Lead - Children)
Kent Children’s Social Services Office: 03000 411111 Out of Hours Emergency: 03000 419191
thirtyone:eight Help Line: 0303 003 11 11

CHURCH DETAILS

Name: Thanet Community Churches (hereafter, "The Church")

Address: The Corner, 60 Whitehall Road, Ramsgate, Kent. CT12 6DF

Tel No: 01843 482015

E-mail address: info@thanetcc.org.uk

MISSION STATEMENT

The Church Leadership, defined for this purpose as the Elders and Trustees of Thanet Community Churches (hereafter referred to as CL) recognises the importance of its ministry to children and young people and its responsibility to protect, safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the church's care.

As part of its mission, the Church is committed to:

Valuing, listening to and respecting children and young people, taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of ministry.
Safe recruitment, supervision and training for all the children's/youth workers within the church.
Adopting a procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse.
Encouraging and supporting parents/carers.
Supporting those who have been affected by abuse.
Maintaining good links with the statutory childcare authorities and other organisations.

CHURCH POLICY

The CL recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people. It also acknowledges that children and young people can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. The CL recognises the need to create a culture where children and young people are valued, respected and listening to, taking account of their wishes and feelings. The CL has therefore adopted the procedures set out in this document (hereafter “the policy”).

The CL recognises the need to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary child protection agencies. This policy and associated childcare guidelines are based on models and guidance published by the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCAPS - now called ‘thirtyone:eight’). The CL agrees not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.

The CL is committed to on-going child safeguarding training for all children/youth workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines surrounding children’s and youth work.

The CL also undertakes to follow the principles found within the Abuse of Trust guidance issued by the Home Office and it is therefore unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour which might allow a sexual relationship to develop for as long as the relationship of trust continues.

For the sake of clarity and for the purposes of this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years of age.

There are four main elements to our child safeguarding policy

Prevention (e.g. positive, supportive, safe culture, and pastoral opportunities for children, safer recruitment procedures);
Protection (by following the agreed procedures, ensuring all staff and volunteers are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns);
Pastoral Support (for all children, parents, staff and volunteers, and where appropriate specific intervention for those who may be at risk of harm);
Partnerships with other agencies and working with parents (to ensure appropriate communications and actions are undertaken).

The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff (including temporary staff and volunteers) and are consistent with those of Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP).

CONTEXT

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and related guidance. This includes:

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (WTSC)
Children and Social Work Act 2017.
Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000)
Kent and Medway Safeguarding Children Procedures (Online)

The CL acknowledge that this policy recognises a range of specific safeguarding issues including (but not limited to):

Bullying (including cyberbullying)
Children with family members in prison
Children Missing Education (CME)
Child missing from home or care
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Child Criminal Exploitation (County Lines)
Domestic abuse
Drugs and alcohol misuse
Fabricated or induced illness
Faith abuse
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Forced marriage
Gangs and youth violence
Gender based abuse and violence against women and girls
Hate
Homelessness
Honour based abuse
Human trafficking and modern slavery
Mental health
Missing children and adults
Online safety
Peer on peer abuse
Preventing radicalisation and extremism
Private fostering
Radicalisation
Relationship abuse
Sexual Violence, Sexual Harassment & Upskirting
Youth produced sexual imagery or “Sexting”

RECOGNITION AND TYPES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Through training and supervision, all staff and volunteers should be aware of the definitions and indicators of abuse and neglect. There are four categories of abuse:

Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Neglect

Members of staff and volunteers are aware that child welfare concerns may arise in many different contexts and can vary greatly in terms of their nature and seriousness.

The warning signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect can vary from child to child. Children also develop and mature at different rates, so what appears to be worrying behaviour for a younger child might be normal for an older child.

Parental behaviours may also indicate child abuse or neglect, so staff and volunteers should also be alert to parent-child interactions or concerning parental behaviours; this could include parents who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if there is a sudden change in their mental health.

By understanding the warning signs, we can respond to problems as early as possible and provide the right support and services for the child and their family. It is important to recognise that a warning sign doesn’t automatically mean a child is being abused.

RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. VOLUNTEERS & WORKERS

Volunteers and workers should, at all times, be ready to listen to and respect children and young people. In the event of needing to respond to an allegation of abuse the volunteer or worker will need to (taken from the thirtyone:eight publication ‘How to respond to an allegation of abuse’):

Listen carefully if someone is telling you about abuse – physical, sexual, emotional or neglect
Not ask questions – it could prevent them from saying more or you might put things in their mind that were not already there 
Show acceptance of what you are told – even if it seems unlikely or too awful to be true. Reassure the person that they have done the right thing in telling you and you are taking the information seriously 
Not promise to keep the matter secret but explain that you may have to share what they say with others on a ‘need to know’ basis only (see below ‘What )
Explain what you intend to do and don’t delay in taking action
Ensure the immediate safety of the individual
Consider medical intervention if required.
Writing notes (see Appendix 1):
Write notes stating what the person said, what you said in response, and an explanation of how the conversation took place. Include the date, time and your signature. See Appendix 1.
Keep the notes, even if typed up, as they could be used as material evidence in court

If the concern is about what has been observed, for example bruises, marks, suspicions of neglect or sexually explicit/abusive behaviour, then it is important to write a full account of what was seen. Include:

Size, shape, colour, position on the body of any bruises or marks, consider taking a picture unless location of that picture is inappropriate
Person’s appearance e.g. ragged or dirty clothing, smell, emaciated body, pain or difficulty in moving
Description of sexually explicit or abusive behaviour
The date and time of your report and your signature.

Whatever action you may have to take, and even if the authorities are involved, don’t lose sight of the person or persons at the centre of the concern. Ensure that there is someone to whom they can turn for support but do not question the person concerned.

RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. DESIGNATED SAFEGAUARDING LEAD & DEPUTY

In the event of an allegation or suspicion of abuse, under no circumstances should a volunteer or worker carry out their own investigation. The following procedures should be followed:

The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to: Craig Prentice (hereafter the "DSL"- Contact details on page 2)

The above is nominated by the Leadership to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities.

In the absence of the DSL or, if the suspicions in any way involve the DSL, then the report should be made to: Hannah Barrs (hereafter the "Deputy" – Contact details on page 2)
If the suspicions implicate both the DSL and the Deputy, then the report should be made in the first instance to thirtyone:eight, Social Services or the Police. (contact details on page 2)
The DSL or the Deputy DSL should contact the appropriate agency or they may first ring the thirtyone:eight helpline for advice. They should then contact social services

Kent Children’s Social Services

Tel: 03000 411111

Out of hours Tel: 03000 414141

The DSL/ Deputy DSL may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern
Designated officer or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
Chair or trustee responsible for safeguarding who may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity commission to report a serious incident.
Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.
Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the DSL, the absence of the DSL or Deputy DSL should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from thirtyone:eight.
The CL will support the DSL/Deputy DSL in their role and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.
It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from thirtyone:eight, although the Leadership hope that members of the place of worship / organisation will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the DSL/Deputy DSL has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the DSL/Deputy DSL as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the CL demonstrate its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.

The role of the DSL/ Deputy DSL is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.

ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR NEGLECT

If a child has a physical injury or symptom of neglect, or if there are concerns about emotional abuse, the DSL or Deputy DSL will:

Contact Children’s Social Services (or thirtyone:eight ) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child's safety or if a child is afraid to return home.
Will not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so having contacted Children’s Social Services.
Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
For lesser concerns, (e.g. poor parenting), encourage the parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of injury.
Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them. In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services direct for advice.
Seek and follow advice given by thirtyone:eight (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.

ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the DSL or Deputy DSL will:

Contact the Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or the Police Child Protection Team direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else involved or potentially involved.
Seek and follow the advice given by thirtyone:eight if, for any reason, they are unsure whether or not to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing for future reference.

ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST A PERSON WHO WORKS WITH CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer, paid member of staff or manager) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the DSL/Deputy DSL, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures will:

Liaise with Children’s Social Services with regards to the suspension of the worker.
Make a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Make a referral to Disclosure and Barring Service for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. This decision should be informed by the LADO if they are involved.

As stated above, if the suspicions implicate both the DSL and Deputy DSL, then the report should be made in the first instance to thirtyone:eight, Social Services or the Police (contact details on page 2).

In addition to this, in relation to concerns raised about those in positions of management, the CL is committed to the principles of its Whistle-Blowing policy and procedures. Again, where suspicions implicate those in management, the DSL/Deputy DSL will follow the above procedures. And where the DSL/Deputy DSL are in a position of management, then the report should be made to thirtyone:eight, Social Services or the Police (contacts on page 2).

APPOINTMENT, SUPPORT, SUPERVISION & TRAINING OF LEADERS & WORKERS

The CL will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with the principles set out in government guidelines “Safe from Harm” (HMSO 1993) and church practice guidelines.

No person shall be appointed to work with children without agreement of the CL. Application forms and self-disclosure forms will be required to be completed, Disclosure & Barring Service checks will be made, personal references will be taken and interviews may be arranged if deemed appropriate.

The CL is committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone.

All our workers will receive induction training and undertake safeguarding training on a regular basis.

The CL is committed to supporting all workers and ensuring they receive support and supervision.

The CL will also ensure that children and adults with care and support needs are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter where they have a concern.

Appointed workers with children and young people shall be 18 years of age and over. Those under the age of 18 assisting in groups will be called Youth Helpers and will work under supervision, never being alone with children.

The CL will keep a register of all children’s workers electronically. This register will be submitted to trustee meetings once a year when this policy is reviewed (October).

The CL has a legal responsibility to refer information about individuals who may pose a risk to children to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

SUPERVISION OF GROUP/CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

The CL is responsible for the supervision for each specific activity by appointing workers and leaders of groups and by providing child care guidelines to all workers. The child care guidelines, will be reviewed annually.

As a church working with children, young people and adults with care and support needs we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable workers to run activities safely, develop good relationships and minimise the risk of false or unfounded accusation.

The activity leaders should ensure that all appropriate risk assessments are undertaken.

SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY ABUSE

The CL is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the church.

thrityone:eight are able to provide advice, support and information on how this can be done effectively.

WORKING WITH OFFENDERS

If someone was to attend a public church gathering and was known to have abused children, or is under investigation; the CL will strictly supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care where appropriate, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children, the CL would set strict boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. Action will be taken if there are any breaches of these strict boundaries.

These boundaries will be based on an appropriate and robust risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate parties. ‘thirtyone:eight’ are able to provide advice, support and information on how this must be done effectively, to ensure that the needs of children are prioritised.

LOCAL SUPPORT